Chapter 525: Chapter 524- Time with Sylvie

Sylvie was on her way back after observing the third years’ matches. She had gone to study their movements, to understand how combat inside the arena differed from fighting genuine danger.

Some students fought recklessly, pouring out everything they had. The stronger ones, however, displayed restraint. Their movements were sharp and economical. No wasted steps, no unnecessary swings.

The few she considered truly superior were not concerned with venting frustration or overpowering their opponents quickly. Instead, they focused on sustaining the battle, controlling its pace, and preserving their stamina.

In a few days, she would face the same assessment.

She needed to remember these details before stepping into that arena.

I just hope Professor Adrian becomes my dueling partner.

A faint blush spread across her cheeks as the words Adrian and partner formed together in her mind.

Sylvie had admired him for a long time. What began as a quiet crush had slowly deepened into something heavier, more tangible.

It was no longer a simple teenage infatuation where seeing him once a day felt sufficient.

Now she wanted more. She wanted to stand closer to him, speak with him longer, maybe even reach out and touch him if she ever found the courage.

She understood how impossible it was.

He already had three lovers. And then there was Elana, her senior. That girl had been trying to close the distance between them for years. Even now, she stood slightly closer to him than the other students, yet she still had not secured a place in his heart.

Knowing that made Sylvie’s own hopes feel fragile, almost foolish. Yet they refused to fade.

Just then, as if her thoughts had summoned him into existence, she spotted a familiar figure turning the corner of the corridor some distance away.

Sylvie froze.

Seeing him here so suddenly made her heart jolt. After a brief hesitation, she prepared to greet him so she would not appear rude.

Then she stopped.

His steps faltered.

His body swayed, unsteady, as though an unseen force were weighing him down.

When he nearly collapsed, Sylvie rushed forward without thinking and caught his shoulder. “Professor?”

Adrian gave a faint hum and looked at her through half focused eyes. “Sylvie… forgive me, but could you help me sit somewhere?”

She nodded immediately and guided him toward a nearby bench in the garden.

As soon as he sat down, Adrian released a long breath.

Sylvie’s face tightened with concern. “What happened, sir?”

“Just exhausted,” he replied quietly. “Thank you for catching me back there.” Falling flat on his face might have shocked him awake, but he preferred not to experience the pain.

“Should I call the medic? Or bring you something to eat? You look pale.”

Then, as if remembering something, she flinched slightly and hurriedly reached into her pouch. “Here. Please take this.”

Adrian tilted his head at the paper wrapped bar she offered.

“What is it?” he asked, though he accepted it, bringing it closer. The scent was warm and familiar.

He raised a brow. “Coffee? You have an energy bar with coffee?”

Sylvie gave a small, shy smile. “It helps with concentration.”

Without hesitation, Adrian tore the wrapper and took a generous bite.

There was a soft crunch, a gentle sweetness, and a strong rush of coffee that lingered on his tongue.

“Perfect,” he murmured. “I have never tasted anything this good.”

His shoulders loosened as he took another slow bite, savoring it carefully, as though he did not want the moment or the flavor to fade too quickly.

Sylvie’s cheeks warmed as she asked softly, “I heard Professor Adrian does not like sweets?”

Adrian gave a faint smile. “Not anything overly sweet. But this is balanced perfectly. I would kiss the chef’s hand for creating something this flawless.”

Color rushed from her neck to the tips of her ears. Her heart pounded so loudly she feared he might hear it. She lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers, struggling to contain her reaction.

Adrian hummed thoughtfully before asking, “Were you heading somewhere? You can leave me here if you need to.”

Sylvie shook her head at once. “Nothing urgent. I was only going to revise my lessons.”

Adrian smiled and gestured for her to sit beside him.

This part of the campus remained unusually quiet since most students exited the arena from the front. The garden felt secluded, almost detached from the rest of the world.

To Sylvie, it seemed as though they were the only two people in existence.

Gathering her courage, she sat closer than she ever would beside another male student. Their shoulders hovered a breath apart.

“I have never told you this, Sylvie,” Adrian began suddenly, “but you are one of the most brilliant students I have encountered.”

Her eyes widened slightly.

“You make things easier for me. Many times after I leave the classroom, you take the initiative to explain what others did not understand. You collect assignments. You make sure everything is in order.”

Sylvie lowered her gaze, a shy smile forming on her lips. “I did not know you noticed.”

Adrian chuckled softly. “Of course I noticed. I may not openly praise my students often, but that does not mean I fail to see their efforts.”

He raised his hand and gently rested it on her head, stroking her hair with quiet warmth. “You are a good girl, Sylvie.”

Her breath trembled.

She leaned closer unconsciously until their shoulders finally touched. A soft, contented expression spread across her face, her eyes narrowing slightly in bliss, her body relaxing under his gentle affection.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to sink into it.

Then Adrian withdrew his hand and rose from the bench.

“Thank you, Sylvie,” he said lightly. “I feel much better now.”

Sylvie quickly rose to her feet as well. After a brief hesitation, she spoke, her voice careful.

“Professor… I know it may not be my place to say this, but could you try taking things a little more lightly?”

Adrian gave a quiet hum, signaling her to continue.

“I do not know what is causing you to overwork yourself,” she said, fingers clasped nervously before her, “but whenever I force myself to study an extra hour while exhausted, the result is worse. The work that could be completed in minutes with a clear mind ends up taking an hour.”

Adrian fell silent.

He understood what she was implying.

Sylvie lowered her head, her voice softening to a near whisper.

“Please take care of yourself, Professor.”

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, drop a comment.

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